Tarpon Inn facts for kids
The Tarpon Inn is a very old and famous hotel in Port Aransas, Texas, United States. It first opened its doors way back in 1886. The hotel got its name from the tarpon fish. These big fish brought many anglers (people who fish) to this coastal town. In fact, Port Aransas was even called Tarpon for a while! The Tarpon Inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 14, 1979. This means it's a special building recognized for its history.
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Tarpon Inn
|
|
The Tarpon Inn in 2007
|
|
 Tarpon Inn
Location in Texas
Tarpon Inn
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 200 E. Cotter Ave. Port Aransas, Texas |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | James M. Ellis |
| Architectural style | Barracks |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003002 |
| Added to NRHP | September 14, 1979 |
Contents
The Tarpon Inn's Early History
The very first Tarpon Inn was built in 1886. It was made from leftover materials from an old Civil War barracks (a building for soldiers). Sadly, this first building was destroyed by a fire in 1900.
Two new buildings were then built in its place. But in 1919, a huge hurricane hit. It brought a storm surge (a wall of water) that was 12 to 15 feet high! The larger of the two new buildings was completely destroyed. However, the smaller building could be fixed. It continued to be used as a hotel until 1926.
Building a Stronger Hotel
In 1923, a man named James M. Ellis bought the property. He decided to build a new, stronger hotel. The building that stands today was finished in 1925.
Mr. Ellis wanted the new hotel to look like the original 1886 Tarpon Inn. So, he kept the barracks style as a homage (a way to show respect) to the first building. To make sure the new hotel could survive future hurricanes, he used a clever building trick. Dozens of strong pine poles were sunk deep into 16 to 20 feet of concrete. These long poles go all the way up through the attic. The roof is then strongly attached to these poles. This design helps the building stand firm against powerful storms.
When the new main building opened, the old smaller building became the hotel's dining room.
Changes Over Time
After World War II, the tarpon fish started to disappear from this part of the Texas coast. This meant fewer anglers came to the area.
In 1970, Hurricane Celia caused damage to the inn and the nearby towns. After this, the Ellis family, who had owned the inn for a long time, sold it. A new owner bought the inn and repaired it. The Tarpon Inn reopened in 1975. Today, it is still a popular spot for fishermen, tourists, and people traveling for business.
Famous Guests and Fish Scales
The main lobby of the Tarpon Inn is very unique. It is decorated with more than 7,000 tarpon scales! Each scale is signed by the angler who caught the fish. It's like a giant guestbook made of fish scales!
One of the most famous scales was signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was the President of the United States. He fished off the Texas Coast in 1937, even though he didn't actually stay at the Inn. Other famous people who have visited the Tarpon Inn include Clyde Beatty, Douglas Corrigan, Jesse Jones, Hedy Lamarr, Aimee Semple McPherson, and Edward Teller. The well-known travel writer and food critic Duncan Hines even got married and spent his honeymoon at the Inn!
